Butterknowle (Durham) weather

Headline:

Fine at first, eventually very windy with rain.

Today:

Fine and chilly to start with some sunshine, however cloud soon thickening from the west, ahead of spells of rain and increasingly strong winds spreading in towards lunchtime. Winds strengthening to inland gales during the afternoon, although mild in shelter. Maximum temperature 15 °C.

Tonight:

Becoming very windy, with inland gales, perhaps severe for a time, coupled with heavy rain and blustery showers. Becoming drier and clearer through the early hours, with winds easing. Minimum temperature -1 °C.

Sunday:

A colder-feeling day, bright and breezy with some sunny spells for a time. Cloudier with further rain or showers during the afternoon, clearing in turn to late sunshine. Winds easing. Maximum temperature 11 °C.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:

Mainly fine through this period, with some warm days and sunny periods after chilly starts. Perhaps becoming more unsettled from the west midweek.

Rather changeable conditions are expected through this period, as Atlantic frontal systems track eastwards across the UK, accompanied by some strong winds at times. These will bring occasional spells of rain or showers, heaviest and most frequent in the west and northwest, with longer drier interludes likely in the south and sheltered eastern areas. Whilst temperatures will be close to average for the period as a whole, there may be opportunities for some short-lived warm spells in the south and east. Conversely, occasional colder interludes in the northwest will bring the chance of some wintry showers, especially to hills, and overnight frost.

It is probable that more blocked, or at least slowly evolving, weather patterns will become increasingly dominant through the middle of the month. Whilst confidence is low, this may result in more settled and drier conditions overall. There may, however, still be some more unsettled interludes at times, especially in the south and southwest. Temperatures will probably be around or a little above normal for the period as a whole, and its possible we may see some pleasantly warm spring weather at times.